Focus: Strengthen the student's ability to function in the classroom
Occupational therapists help students build their classroom skills and their confidence in the following areas:
- Written work (e.g., printing, cursive writing, keyboarding)
- Fine-motor skills (e.g., scissor skills, pencil grasp)
- Sensory-motor challenges (e.g., self-regulation skills, attending to classroom tasks, transitioning between activities/environments, body awareness)
- Planning skills (e.g., starting and completing classroom tasks, following school routines)
- Organization skills (e.g., desk, binder, paper, locker)
- Self-care skills (e.g., dressing, feeding, toileting, hygiene)
- Social skills (e.g., personal space, friendship)
The occupational therapist works with school staff to identify classroom-based concerns, develop short-term goals and establish strategies and accommodations to support the student at school. The therapist's role may involve observation, assessment, consultation, coaching and/or skill development . If treatment is appropriate, it will take place at the student's school. Treatment sessions may vary and be completed in a variety of different settings to best meet the needs of the student and and the goals of therapy (e.g., whole class, in class, small groups, and/or one-to-one). The occupational therapist may consult on issues of safety, accessibility and positioning. Additionally, an occupational therapy assistant may carry out some of the programming under the supervision of the occupational therapist.
The best results happen when parents/legal guardians are able to:
- Team with the classroom teacher to discuss their child's needs
- Participate in ongoing communication with the teacher and occupational therapist
- Practice new skills with their child
- Work together with their child's school to try out new ideas
Parents/legal guardians are encouraged to contact any member of their child's team with any questions they may have.
